Peanut Butter, Banana, and Chocolate Icebox Pie

I made this pie for Father's Day (which we celebrated a week late).  Growing up I hung out a lot at my Dad's parents house.  Frank, which his what I call my grandfather, hates peanut butter! My sister and I would always make Frank little treats to eat and we would sneak peanut butter in them. His face was priceless each time he found the peanut butter. (Secretly, I always thought he liked it, but come to find out he was telling the truth). So today when we sat down for lunch at my house, I told him that I had made him a special treat, Peanut Butter Pie! Needless to say, his love for peanut butter hasn't changed. I made him a Peach Upside Down Cake just in case ;)

Peanut Butter, Banana, and Chocolate Icebox Pie*

Adapted from Southern Living, June 2012

2 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs (about 15 sheets)

1/2 cup chopped honey roasted peanuts

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 (4 oz) semisweet chocolate baking bar, chopped

2 cups whipping cream, divided

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 large bananas, sliced

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Stir together graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped peanuts, and butter.  Firmly press mixture  on buttom and sides of a greased 9 inch pie plate. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remvoe from oven and cool completely.   

2.  Microwave chocolate and 1/2 cup whipping cream at medium (50% power) 1.5 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring with whisk at 30-second intervals. Spoon mixture into prepared crust.  Cover chocolate mixture with banana slices.

3.  Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup whipping cream at medium speed until light and fluffy.

4.  Beat vanilla and remaining 1.25 cups whipping cream at high speed until stiff peaks form.  Fold whipped cream mixture into peanut butter mixture.  

5. Spread peanut butter mixture over banana slices.  Cover and chill for 8 hours.  Serve pie with desired toppings such as chopped peanuts, whipped cream, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, etc.

Happy Baking!!

Sarah 

*This recipe was really rich and I like the combination for the peanut butter, chocolate, and bananas.  However, you could omit the chocolate and bananas and just fill pie with the peanut butter filling. Also, you could use a pre made graham cracker crust. It would be just as delicious and several less steps!!